Ayaz Sadiq, Jaishankar meet in Dhaka in first high-level exchange post-May conflict

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met in Dhaka on Wednesday in a rare high-level interaction, held at the residence of late former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia.

According to media reports, the two leaders briefly interacted. They “shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.” The meeting took place as foreign dignitaries gathered in the Bangladeshi capital to pay their respects to Khaleda Zia.

Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80.

Sharing photos of Ayaz Sadiq's meeting with Jaishankar, journalist Anas Mallick wrote: "Indian EAM walked to Pakistan's NA Speaker at Khaleda Zia's house and exchanged pleasantries - First high level exchange between Pakistan and India since the war in May this year."

Tweet by Anas Mallick

The brief exchange between the Pakistani and Indian officials is being seen as significant, as it marks their first direct interaction since May 2025, when the two countries were engaged in a short but intense military confrontation.

The Foreign Office in a statement said that Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan met Mr. Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman BNP.

"[He] conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the President, Prime Minister, Field Marshal and people of Pakistan on the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia," it added